The Gironde Estuary
In Haute Gironde, nature takes centre stage depending on the mood of the Estuary, the largest in western Europe !
Vines, islands, flora and fauna
Its vines, islands, flora and fauna give the region an air of an earthly paradise, well-preserved and rich in traditions. It is an ideal destination for all the family, which can be explored by car, motorbike or bike along the coast road to discover the little harbours on the estuary and the town of Blaye with its grand citadel.
Adventurers who are good sailors can discover the estuary aboard a little fishing boat or on a cruise. Two ferries, at Verdon and Lamarque run between the two banks. And to be totally immersed in nature, there is nothing better than a walk through the Terres d’Oiseaux Bird reserve. Haute Gironde has something for everyone including superb walks for all levels of experience, educational outings and activities related to fishing.
Attack the Citadel !
The ‘Verrou de Vauban’, formed by the Citadelle de Blaye, Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc, is a triple defensive barrier unique in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 17th century to protect Bordeaux and its surrounding region from enemy invasions, it was only actually used once, against an attempted invasion by the British ! Today, the site is an essential place to see in Gironde with magnificent views of the Estuary, and is also the venue or numerous events like the Jumping International de Blaye (show-jumping) which is held in the moat surrounding the citadel.
Stop off along the Estuary at a little bistro or a waterside café and try some local speciality dishes ! Stroll along the quayside of the Estuary harbours where market stalls teem with freshly caught shad, lamprey, eel, elvers and ‘white prawns’. Fishing has left its mark on the banks of the Estuary in the form of ‘carrelets’, fishing huts on stilts equipped with square dipping nets.
Visit the Gironde Estuary
Stop off along the Estuary at a little bistro or a waterside café and try some local speciality dishes ! Stroll along the quayside of the Estuary harbours where market stalls teem with freshly caught shad, lamprey, eel, elvers and ‘white prawns’. Fishing has left its mark on the banks of the Estuary in the form of ‘carrelets’, fishing huts on stilts equipped with square dipping nets.
The Estuary also includes a number of islands, some of which can be visited ! Patiras with its magnificent lighthouse, Ile Nouvelle with its village, natural habitat and profusion of birdlife and Ile Margaux which has a wine-growing estate, cellars and vines. Other islands which can be viewed from the sea include Ile Verte, one of the largest of the Estuary isles, and Ile Pâté.
Céline from Gîtes de France, Gironde, tells us about her ideal tour of Haute Gironde : « My favourite destination is Vauban’s Citadel at Blaye. By car or motorbike, it’s still marvellous ! I go along the D669 to the Citadel then I walk on the ramparts, stopping for a moment by the watch towers to contemplate the estuary, the islands and the shoreline of the Médoc. Then off I go up the estuary of the Gironde, stopping here and there. Between Villeneuve de Blaye and Gauriac, the road is lined with a succession of châteaux which dominate the countryside along the estuary. Next the road goes up the hill to Bayon through the village of Bourg then southward to the Pointe du Bec d’Ambes at the beginning of the estuary, where the River Dordogne on my side meets the Garonne coming from Bordeaux . The tourist route continues on its winding way but I come slowly back to Bourg and pick up the D669 ».
Whether you come overland from Bordeaux or by ferry across the Gironde, you will be amazed and impressed by the extraordinary natural and cultural scenery.
Further information : http://www.estuaire-gironde.fr/ ; http://www.terresdoiseaux.fr/"
Our selection of accommodations
Guest house
Haras de la Mellerie
in JAU-DIGNAC-ET-LOIRAC - Gironde
